Jaden Smith Snags "Karate Kid" Remake

In the oh-no-not-another-remake department, “The Karate Kid” remake is a go at Columbia, with Jaden Smith in the title role. That’s Jaden, pictured, along with his dad, Will Smith, at the Los Angeles premiere of “Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa” on Oct. 26, 2008. Look at that face!

Rumors have been circulating for a while, but a note landed in my inbox today confirming the casting of Will and Jada Pinkett Smith’s offspring. Jaden co-starred along with his dad in “The Pursuit of Happyness” (which I loved).

More after the jump…

Jerry Weintraub will produce, along with James Lassiter, Will Smith and Ken Stovitz from a script by Chris Murphy.

Shooting will begin next year in Beijing and other cities. While the new film will be set in that exotic locale, it will borrow elements of the original plot, wherein a bullied youth learns to stand up for himself with the help of an eccentric mentor.

Good news? Jaden Smith is a gifted actor who brings a lot to any role he plays. I’ll look forward to seeing what he does with “The Karate Kid.”

Image: Newscom